Which symptom indicates excessive preload in a steering gear box?

Which symptom indicates excessive preload in a steering gear box?

• A. Hard steering
• B. Pulling to one side
• C. Wandering
• D. No steering

Answer: (A)

Excessive preload tightens the steering gear mesh so the gears and bearings are pressed together more than designed. That extra tightness increases friction in the gear train, making turning the wheel require more effort. So the symptom you’d notice is hard steering, especially when you’re starting to move or maneuver slowly. Pulling to one side or wandering usually point to alignment issues or wear in the steering components, not to preload in the gear box. No steering would indicate a hydraulic or mechanical failure preventing the wheel from turning at all, rather than simply being overly tight.

Excessive preload tightens the steering gear mesh so the gears and bearings are pressed together more than designed. That extra tightness increases friction in the gear train, making turning the wheel require more effort. So the symptom you’d notice is hard steering, especially when you’re starting to move or maneuver slowly.

Pulling to one side or wandering usually point to alignment issues or wear in the steering components, not to preload in the gear box. No steering would indicate a hydraulic or mechanical failure preventing the wheel from turning at all, rather than simply being overly tight.